Robber Attacked Female Store Clerk, Pretended to Have Gun; She Did Have a Gun, Shot Him

Police say on Friday, 47-year-old Anthony J. Williams entered a liquor store in Muncie, Indiana, pretended to have a weapon, and told the clerk behind the counter to hand him all the cash.

The clerk thought Williams was going to grab a gun that was kept behind the counter so she grabbed for the weapon first. Williams attacked her and a struggle followed. During the exchange, the gun discharged, hitting Williams in the pelvic region.

Williams was unconscious when police and paramedics arrived. He was taken to IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital with a potentially life-threatening wound but is now in stable condition.

He is being held at the hospital and is charged with attempted robbery.

The woman suffered minor injuries during the incident but did not need medical treatment.

It’s not the first time that police have encountered Williams. His rap sheet includes convictions for robbery, selling cocaine, and resisting arrest. He was most recently released from prison in 2005.

The woman was detained and interviewed but police do not intend to file any charges against her.

A similar case took place just three weeks ago in Oakland. A would-be robber entered a liquor store armed with a pellet gun and wearing a mask, jumped over the counter, and ordered a clerk to give him the money from the register at gun point. The 19-year-old burglar also stole the employees’ cell phones and money.

As he went to leave the store, one of the employees shot him in the buttocks. He attempted to flee but was apprehended by police several blocks away.